College Hockey:

Blake Thompson made a huge impact in his first season at St. Norbert and was named the USCHO.com 2013-14 Rookie of the Year on Wednesday (photo: St. Norbert Athletics).

Fresh off winning a Division III national championship, St. Norbert freshman defenseman Blake Thompson has been named the 2013-14 USCHO.com Rookie of the Year.

Thompson, a unanimous selection amongst our columnists and editor, recorded four goals and 19 assists for 23 points this season as a regular on the Green Knights’ blue line and finished seventh in team scoring.

The 21-year-old native of Listowel, Ont., finished third in NCHA freshman scoring, led all conference freshmen with his 19 assists and was second in conference defensemen scoring behind teammate Marian Fiala.

During the regular season, Thompson enjoyed five multi-point games, including three three-point games.

In the national championship game March 22 against Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Thompson had the primary assist on Erik Cooper’s game-winner midway through the first period.

In addition, USCHO announced its Division III All-Rookie Team for the 2013-14 season with two players apiece from Oswego and Trinity making the team.

2013-14 USCHO All-Rookie Team

Player's Name

Position

School

Ryan Cole

F

Trinity

Matt Galati

F

Oswego

Sean Orlando

F

Trinity

Blake Thompson

D

St. Norbert

Stephen Johnson

D

Oswego

Joey Ballmer

G

Johnson and Wales

The USCHO.com Coach of the Year will be announced Thursday and Player of the Year on Friday.

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